The therapeutic potential of omega-7 fatty acids in mitigating doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Objective. Omega-7 fatty acids have offered promising hepatoprotective properties in various experimental models. This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic potential of omega-7 supplementation against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced hepatic injury in albino rats. Methods. A total of 42 rats were divided into 6 groups (7 animals each), namely control, Dox (15mg/kg, single IP dose at day 7), glycerin group, omega-7 (100mg/kg/day), omega-7 (100mg/kg/day, oral gavage) plus Dox, and omega-3 (100mg/kg/day) plus Dox. The groups were treated for 14 days with either normal saline alone, glycerin alone, omega-7 or omega-3 with intervention by Dox single dose at day-7 for omega groups only. Hepatic injury was assessed via biochemical parameters, including liver parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological examination of liver tissues. Results. Omega-7 pretreatment resulted in a significant reduction of mean serum hepatic enzymes (ALT: vs. Dox alone, p<0.0001; ALP: vs. Dox alone, p<0.0001; AST: vs. Dox alone, p<0.001). Omega-7 modulated oxidative stress status, indicated by reduced mean MDA (P<0.001) compared to Dox alone and increased TAS (vs. Dox alone, p<0.0001). The elevated proinflammatory markers (TNFα and IL-1β) induced by Dox were significantly (p<0.0001) mitigated by omega-7. Histological analysis revealed severe hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration. Histopathological examination showed preservation of hepatic architecture with minimal inflammatory changes in the omega-7 pre-treated group. Conclusion. Omega-7 offered prophylactic anti-inflammatory benefit against Dox-induced hepatic injury, confirmed by histological and biochemical findings.